Iconic European Classics of the 1950s
These classic cars were the foundations for sports cars, superminis and saloons of the present...
Credit: bringatrailer.com
Jaguar XK120
After not having a proper sports car for eight years, Jaguar returned with the mighty XK120 which became insanely popular upon launch. The production version was unmatched for style by any other car that came before it, and was powered by a 3.4 litre straight six producing 180 horsepower.
It became even more popular in the 1950s when Jaguar entered it for rallying and racing with even more power. Without modification, it completed the flying mile with a maximum speed of 126 miles per hour. This was a world record for the time, and an incredible feat in motoring history.
Credit: bringatrailer.com
Fiat 500
When the 'Nuova' Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957 as a replacement for the similar 'Topolino', people began to fall for this arty, cute compact car. Around 3.9 million units were produced in its eighteen year original run. It made good use of its tiny 22 horsepower, 500cc two-cylinder engine by putting it in the back.
The 500 was able to go through the city with an impressive fuel consumption, even with all four seats occupied. A rear-engine placement gave it more space for luggage, making it more practical than even the front-engined Mini that came later. In Britain, the Mini was one of the biggest sellers of its time, but in Italy that title went to the Fiat 500.
Credit: wheelsage.org
Citroën DS
The quirky-looking DS that we all love was first built in 1955 and featured innovative technology as well as a futuristic style. Notable innovations include disk brakes, hydraulic suspension, directional headlights, power steering, semi-automatic gear shifting and much more.
Due to the automatic leveling system and variable ground clearance, it was perfect for the poor road surfaces of post-war France, also making it an excellent rally car. Worldwide, almost 1.5 million DS' were sold, which had a huge impact on Citroen and the rest of France.
Credit: magmens.com
Porsche 356
The first production vehicle from Stuttgart-based Porsche was the rather sporty 356. It was lightweight - at less than 800kg - and nimble as well. It achieved moderate success in rallying and racing; over 70,000 were sold over four generations and 17 years, including the highly regarded Carrera.
An air-cooled 4-cylinder boxer engine in the back of the 356 A gave the rear wheels a rather tame 60 horsepower and 81 lbs/ft of torque, but lightness is far more important than power. The Speedster variants are the most desirable due to their rarity and stunning design, and so the excellent 356 ensured Porsche's future success with sports cars.
Credit: hagerty.com
Mercedes-Benz 300SL
How can we have a list of iconic 1950s cars without including the 300SL? With a elegant gullwing coupe and a stunning roadster, just 3,258 were made over nine years. In 1999 it was voted as the best sports car of the century and auction prices rose dramatically as a result.
Whether you buy the coupe or roadster, a 300SL will set you back over $1 million. It was also fast, with its 3 litre straight six producing a massive 220 horsepower and a top speed higher than any other at the time: 162 miles per hour. This car was, and still is fantastic, so it truly deserves the coveted title it was given.
Join In
Comments (16)
I miss the VW Beetle in this list. I mean, in a way it's there as the 356 is derived from it but still...
You’re right 😉
It's not direved, it is squashed from Beetle.
For me the car of the fifties was the Lancia Aurelia, preferably in Spider America form.
Quite a nice choice 😉
I’d say that the DS is amazing in that it was made in the 50s while embodying futuristic styling and characteristics
I agree 👍
Great article, it perfectly highlights the creativity that was going on just after the war. The fact that all these cars are still an inspiration for their respective manufacturers, kind of says it all.
Thanks, pretty much sums it up 😉
Borgward Isabella anyone? At least here in germany. It was shipped worldwide though.